How to Transfer Downloaded Files to a New Android Phone
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Tested on
- Android 15 - Pixel 9 Pro
- You will need
- Old Android phone, New Android phone, Stable Wi-Fi connection, Google account credentials
Step by step
Open the Files by Google application
Launch the Files by Google app on your source device. If it is not installed, download it from the Google Play Store to ensure a standardized interface across both phones.
Note: Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for optimal transfer speeds.Navigate to the Downloads folder
Tap the Browse tab at the bottom of the screen. Select Categories and tap on Downloads to view all files currently stored in your local storage.
Initiate Nearby Share on both devices
Long-press to select the files you wish to transfer. Tap the Share icon, then select Quick Share from the menu. Ensure Quick Share is active and set to receive files on your target device.
Note: Quick Share is the modern evolution of Nearby Share on Android.Accept the incoming transfer
On your new phone, locate the device name of your old phone in the Quick Share list. Tap the notification on the new phone to accept the incoming transfer request.
Confirm file delivery
Wait for the progress bar to complete on both screens. Once finished, navigate to the Downloads folder on your new device to confirm the integrity of the transferred files.
Note: If you are transferring a large volume of files, consider using Google Drive for cloud-based syncing instead.